I agree with this as well. Around 50 people (maybe even 40) companies are required to start operating in a more bureaucratic way, and more often than not this means there's a top-down approach where software developers are just doing what they're told rather than influencing what gets built.

Came here to say this. Go to a small product company in a domain you are interested in.

Consulting companies are ok, but there you pretty much build what clients want. If you can find one that focuses on an interesting domain, that can be a good fit.

At small companies you get to be part time product manager, project manager, customer support, QA, developer, doc writer, and more. Especially if you are relatively senior.

For some folks I know, this is a nightmare. I personally love it. Give it a go!

How can you find such small companies? I'd look in the "Who's hiring" threads and on sites like https://www.builtincolorado.com/ (if they exist for your area). Also, ask in your network.

Seconded. 50 people is a good round upper limit.